Thursday, 5 March 2026

 Tom McINTOSH (Eastern Victoria) (10:11): Whilst onsite, we went down and caught up with Neil at Leongatha Community Garden. The garden beds are incredible there; I think there are something like 150-odd, growing and full of food. They have got the kitchen on site, so together people are coming in, upping their cooking skills and knowing what is in their food. Neil spoke passionately about his desire and everyone’s desire there to see more food out and about in the community. There are a whole lot of groups all the way from Korumburra down to Phillip Island. The state government has put in $750,000 to make sure our community gardens and our community houses are getting food out to people, understanding the importance and the value of what they eat. We are what we eat. I want to acknowledge Bec and all the team at Manna Gum Community House in Foster for the work they have done in driving this, and congratulations to everyone that is working across the board to ensure that really good quality food is getting out to people and making their lives better.